Toronto FC are the first team to clinch a spot in the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, riding a first-half strike from Patrick Mullins to earn a 1-0 win at FC Cincinnati on Sunday evening.

Mullins scored in the 29th minute, one-timing a right-footed effort past goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton. The attacking move was set up by outside back Richie Laryea, who cut back to Mullins as the striker drifted off the Cincy backline.

Cincy had a penalty-kick opportunity removed in the 96th minute when Video Review overturned an initial foul call on Omar Gonzalez. The Toronto center back was deemed to push Allan Cruz in the back, but after further examination the PK call was rescinded. 

Toronto, also atop the Supporters’ Shield standings, nearly scored in the 24th minute via Alejandro Pozuelo. His curling effort curled was sent just outside the post after a Jonathan Osorio set-up pass. They also came close in the 69th minute through Pablo Piatti, whose deflected cross was pawed off the goal line by Tyton.

Cincy finished with one shot on goal, a near-post drive from Brandon Vazquez in the 34th minute. Otherwise, their goalless streak reached 455 minutes as Jaap Stam’s team struggled to find an end product.